Vanguard 15 Florida State Championships
April 7- 8, 2001
photos

Vanguard 15's gathered from the Miami and West Palm Beach fleets for the fourth annual Florida State Championships hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club, the U.S. Sailing Center, and www.sailonedesign.com. In Biscayne Bay water was so clear you could easily see the bottom, five races of 20-30 minute length were contested each day with 10-15 kts on Saturday with 5-10 kts Sunday. The Coconut Grove Sailing Club race committee provided tight triangle-windward-leewards for the sailors to enjoy planing conditions and windward-leeward courses in the lighter air. Mark Powell sailed with 6'4 185 lb former collegiate rowing star Tristan Fiedler the first day, and 5'8 135 lb ace lighting crew John Murch the second day, to win seven races for his first state title. John Mullane and Liz Brooks, fleet captains from West Palm Beach captured second with Liz taking the top woman award. A tie for third was broken in favor of lightning sailors John Rouse/JB Slater who won the 5th race. Brandon and Chuck Cairnes placed fourth with Brandon taking the top junior award. www.sailonedesign.com sponsored awards consisting of Magic Marine wet suits and sailing gloves and Victorinox Swiss Cards. Unfortunately, no teams attended from the Sarasota, Tampa, St. Petersburg, or FSU-Tallahassee fleets due to a conflict with Sun Coast Race week.